Certificate of Qualification (COQ) for Skilled Trades in Canada

A Certificate of Qualification (COQ) confirms that you are fully certified to work in a designated skilled trade in Canada. This means that:

Skilled Trades Certificate of Qualification – Canada Map with Tools and Provinces

Verify your trade skills and earn a Certificate of Qualification in your province or territory.

  • You have passed the required certification exam, and

  • You meet all the provincial, territorial, or federal standards needed to practice that trade.

This certification is issued by either:

  • A provincial or territorial authority that governs trades in their region, or

  • A federal agency, depending on the specific trade.

Before you can receive a COQ, your education, work experience, and skills will be assessed by the relevant authority to determine if you’re eligible to take the certification exam.

How to Get Assessed by a Province or Territory

Each province and territory in Canada has its own requirements and process for issuing certificates of qualification. Depending on your situation, you may:

  • Be required to travel to the province or territory for an in-person skills assessment

  • Need a Canadian employer to sponsor or support your training and work experience

To begin, visit the website of the trade certification authority in the province or territory where you intend to live and work:

  • Alberta

    • Tradesecrets: Alberta’s official platform for apprenticeship and industry training.

    • Features:

      • Offers Prior Learning Assessments to recognize previous experience.

      • Provides information on wages & salaries for various trades.

      • Supports high school dual credit programs to encourage early entry into trades.

    • Website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca 

  • British Columbia

    • SkilledTradesBC: Oversees skilled trades certification in B.C.

    • Features:

      • Implements the Skilled Trades Certification system, mandating certification for certain trades.

      • Provides resources for both apprentices and employers.

      • Offers information on Red Seal endorsements for interprovincial recognition.

    • Website: skilledtradesbc.ca

  • Manitoba

      • Apprenticeship Manitoba: Manages apprenticeship programs and trade certifications.

      • Features:

        • Recognizes over 55 designated trades, with 9 compulsory trades requiring certification.

        • Offers financial incentives for employers hiring apprentices.

        • Provides detailed trade profiles outlining training and certification requirements.

      • Website: gov.mb.ca

  • New Brunswick

    • Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification: Administers trade certifications in the province.

    • Features:

      • Structured training programs combining on-the-job and technical training.

      • Resources for exploring career paths in skilled trades.

      • Information on compulsory trades and certification processes.

    • Website: gnb.ca

  • Newfoundland and Labrador

    • Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division (ATCD): Oversees apprenticeship training and certification.

    • Features:

      • Provides a list of designated trades with training and certification options.

      • Supports the Office to Advance Women Apprentices, promoting diversity in trades.

      • Offers resources for both apprentices and employers.

    • Website: gov.nl.ca

  • Northwest Territories

    • Apprenticeship, Trade and Occupation Certification (ATOC): Manages trade certifications in the territory.

    • Features:

      • Industry-driven partnership ensuring a skilled workforce in 43 designated trades and 17 occupations.

      • Provides strategies to improve training and certification processes.

      • Offers resources for employers and apprentices.

    • Website: ece.gov.nt.ca

  • Nova Scotia

    • Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA): Regulates apprenticeship and trade certifications.

    • Features:

      • Issues Certificates of Qualification (CQ), certifying individuals meet industry standards.

      • Offers digital credentials through the MyCreds™ platform, allowing secure sharing of certifications.

      • Provides information on over 70 designated trades, including 54 Red Seal trades.

    • Website: nsapprenticeship.ca

  • Nunavut

    • Apprenticeship and Trades Division: Manages trade certifications in the territory.

    • Features:

      • Offers apprenticeship programs tailored to the unique needs of Nunavut’s communities.

      • Provides information on designated trades and certification processes.

      • Collaborates with Nunavut Arctic College for delivering training programs.

    • Website: gov.nu.ca

  • Ontario

    • Skilled Trades Ontario: Central authority for skilled trades certification.

    • Features:

      • Provides a one-stop shop for apprenticeship opportunities and certifications.

      • Offers Apprenticeship Training Standards to ensure consistent training across trades.

      • Information on Red Seal endorsements for interprovincial recognition.

    • Website: skilledtradesontario.ca

  • Prince Edward Island

    • Workforce and Advanced Learning: Oversees trade certifications in the province.

    • Features:

      • Provides information on trade certification processes and requirements.

      • Offers resources for apprentices and employers.

      • Information on Red Seal endorsements for interprovincial recognition.

    • Website: princeedwardisland.ca

  • Saskatchewan

    • Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC): Oversees apprenticeship programs and issues the Certificate of Qualification for skilled trades in Saskatchewan.

    • Features:

      • Recognized as one of Saskatchewan’s Top Employers.

      • Provides training standards and certification for various trades.

      • Offers resources for employers, apprentices, and training providers.

    • Website: saskapprenticeship.ca

  • Yukon

    • Apprenticeship and Trades: Oversees trade certifications in the territory.

    • Features:

      • Offers two routes to obtain a Certificate of Qualification: through apprenticeship or by demonstrating sufficient work experience and passing an exam.

      • Provides information on designated trades and certification processes.

      • Collaborates with Yukon College for delivering training programs.

    • Website: yukon.ca

👉 Note: If your chosen province or territory does not issue a certificate of qualification for your specific trade, you must instead have a valid job offer in that trade to be eligible under immigration programs such as Express Entry.

If Your Trade is Federally Regulated

Some trades are regulated at the federal level rather than by provinces or territories. For example, aircraft mechanics may fall under federal jurisdiction.

To determine whether your trade is federally or provincially regulated — and how to proceed with your assessment — visit the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC).